"From This Day Forward (Part 3 to One Night Stand)"

"From Lovers to Friends"

The next day, Summer went into town to pick up stuff for the shower as well as meet up with Nick for a session. She was excited finding all the decorations & happened to bump into Dylan.

Summer: Oh I'm sorry... Dylan?
Dylan: Small town problems.
Summer: Hey...
Dylan: I hope you don't think I'm following you or anything.
Summer: Oh, no. I don't. I hope you don't think I'm following you.
Dylan: Nope. Just picking stuff up for the week.
Summer: Essentials?
Dylan: Yeah. You?
Summer: Oh, these are for the Serena's baby shower.  It's retro themed.
Dylan: Nice. Yeah, Brian mentioned something about that. Hey look, um... I know this is kinda last minute.
Summer: Don't worry. I'm kinda used to it & I feel like that's the theme of the week.
Dylan: Are you free for lunch?
Summer: Um...
Dylan: Or not. Hey, it's totally fine... I get it.
Summer: No, no, no... it's just that I have a work thing at 2:00. I just need to be done before then.
Dylan: Work thing?
Summer: I'll explain at lunch. So where'd you wanna go?

And just like that, Dylan & Summer went to lunch as friends. They were both glad for the company & although it was awkward, they both reached a place of maturity in their lives to move past it. Dylan talked about how his dad made him manager of the auto shop. He shared his feelings of how he was hesitant to take over his dad's business as he had never considered this as his career. Summer encouraged him by saying he was always good with the business side of things & how he always knew how to deal with the hardest customers. It gave Dylan some courage & made him believe that he could actually do the job. Summer talked about her new friends in Virginia, her job & Jay. Dylan enjoyed seeing her smile & how her face lit up as she talked about Jay. He was happy for her & the move she made out to Virginia. He knew she lived in Seattle all her life, so Summer moving to the other side of the United States was a big thing. Dylan eventually mentioned how Michie had moved out there & how they too were getting close. Summer was glad Dylan had moved on because now they could actually be friends. After their meal they realized they had been  talking for hours & that Summer had lost track of time. Dylan was apologetic for keeping Summer longer than they had planned so he paid for their meal.

Summer: Dylan, you really didn't have to pay for lunch.
Dylan: I wanted to. Hey Summer before you go, I know I've apologized many times before, but I just want to say sorry again. You didn't deserve what Michie & I did to you. I'm just glad we can be friends after all that I did.

Summer gazed into the eyes of someone she used to love so dearly. She still cared for Dylan. He had a good heart & a good head on his shoulders.

Summer: Dylan, I forgave you a long time ago. I want to let you know... You were a great boyfriend & you helped me in ways my own family couldn't. Although we weren't meant to be, I'm grateful that even for a short time that I was able to yours. I hope things work out for you & Michie. She's lucky to have you.
Dylan: Thanks.
Summer: Thank you for lunch. I guess I'll see you at the shower.
Dylan: Of course.
Summer: Oh & Dylan...
Dylan: Yeah?
Summer: Bring Michie.

Dylan smiled & nodded.

Dylan: Thanks, I will.